Love is sweeter with age: 73 and 78 yr.-old couple in Flora, Apayao decide to get married

Flora, Apayao – If you think you are getting old fast and are still unlucky in love, age does not make it impossible to find true love. In fact, it could make it even sweeter.

This is proven by the exchange of vows of two elderly but genuine lovers, Leonardo Cacuyong Alupani, 73, and Catalina Castillo Acob Vda Cusit, 78, who both live in Barangay Tamalunog, Flora, Apayao during the town’s Mass Wedding ceremony.

“Isuna balo, siak saan nak pulos naki-asawa. Ngem isuna ti nakatiliw ti pusok,” says Leonardo.

In their statements while obtaining their Certificates of No Marriage (Cenomar) at the Local Civil Registry Office on February 8, they said before they met, Cusit had been a widow for some years and Alupani had never been married.

The two fell in love, and they chose to live together even without the blessings of marriage. After being convinced of the importance of legalizing their union, the partners availed the Kasalang Bayan of the LGU to officially formalize and seal their love and commitment, acknowledging the genuine affection and intimacy emanating from each of them over the years.

Municipal Civil Registrar Luzviminda Enciso disclosed they are the oldest newlyweds among the 19 couples solemnized this year in the municipality.

The wedding ceremony transpired on Friday, February 23 at the LGU Flora conference hall and was officiated by Rodolfo Juan, the Municipal Mayor, with other LGU officials serving as witnesses.

Mayor Juan emphasized in his message that living a successful married life entails a sincere commitment to seeking and achieving the best possible well-being for their partners. Making the event more unforgettable, the couple was conferred with traditional presents as symbolisms for their immense love.

This civil wedding is in accordance with the country's declaration of February as Civil Registration Month, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) designated as the responsible agency for recording all civil registry documents, including married couples' marriage certificates.

The event was sponsored by the LGU, with the primary goal of supporting couples who are already living together but are unable to afford a ceremony, as well as conferring the rights and benefits of being legally bonded on the couple and their children.